Making Appointments in Chinese

In most Chinese-speaking countries, people are more formal than in the United States. They prefer to set appointments for most everything. So, know how to make appointments in Chinese so that you don't waste any time.

Whether you want to get together with friends or make an appointment at the embassy, the following words will come in handy.

yuēdìng (appointment)

xìnxi (sheen she) (a message)

diànhuà hàomă (dyan hwah how mah) (telephone number)

shŏujī hàomă (show jee how mah) (cell phone number)

dìzhĭ (dee jir) (address)

diànzĭ yóujiàn dìzhĭ (dyan dzuh yo shyahng dee jir) (e‑mail address)

If you need to make a more formal appointment with business or doctor’s office, plan to give them plenty of notice — usually a week or more. Also, you should expect to make all appointments over the phone. Chinese businesses, typically, do not appreciate it if you just drop by for information.

Don’t be afraid to ask the other person to slow down if you start to get lost. Just say qĭng nĭ shuō màn yìdiăn, hăoma? (Could you speak slower, please?)

The following phrases will come in handy when planning an appointment or meeting.

Don’t be afraid to ask the other person to slow down if you start to get lost. Just say qĭng nĭ shuō màn yìdiăn, hăoma? (Could you speak slower, please?)

When it comes to an official appointment of any kind, punctuality is crucial. Arriving five minutes late is considered downright rude; being fifteen minutes could spell the end of any business relations. Call ahead if absolutely must be late, but be prepared to provide a reasonable explanation.

Don't be surprised if you are not able to schedule anything from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. when almost everyone takes a break. During the break time, most offices close in China, even the phones and elevators tend to be turned off.

The following phrases will come in handy when planning for an informal get together with friends and family.